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Pittsburgh, PA — January 12, 2026 — Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Schaarsmith, AICP, LEED AP as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. David has been with LDG since 2019 and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for five years, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the firm through a period of significant growth and operational excellence.
David is a dedicated leader with more than 20 years of experience in the architecture and engineering consulting industry. With a background in master planning, he brings a strong history of emphasizing strategic thinking and effective leadership to develop staff and drive organizational growth.
“Dave’s ability to connect with individuals across every part of LDG truly sets him apart as a leader,” said Terry Krezmer, Chair of LDG’s Board of Directors and Chief Human Resources Officer. “He listens, understands, and inspires those around him. His commitment to our business, our clients, and building strong relationships will be at the heart of our continued success. We look forward to the future with confidence, knowing he will lead with energy and vision.”
During his tenure as COO, David led the implementation of strategic and tactical initiatives related to the firm’s technical services and operations. Under his leadership, LDG expanded into three new states, established a federal practice, and nearly doubled annual revenue. He also integrated multiple acquisitions, advanced project management best practices, and drove digital innovation across the firm, implementing technologies that improved collaboration and client outcomes.
In his role as President and CEO, David will guide LDG’s long-term strategy for national growth, oversee the senior leadership team, and champion the company’s culture and core values. Based in the Pittsburgh office, he will lead the organization’s vision and execution to ensure continued success.
David shares, “I am honored to serve LDG as President and CEO and grateful for the strong foundation laid by our employee owners and the leaders who came before me. From our beginnings in Pennsylvania to a national presence, LDG’s growth has been driven by a clear purpose and consistent values. We will honor that heritage by elevating client relationships, investing in our people, and embracing innovation so we continue delivering solutions that shape communities and create lasting value.”
David is a certified planner and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Environmental Sciences from the University of Notre Dame, as well as Master’s Degrees in Resource Management from Antioch University and Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, West Africa, and has participated in the Leadership Development Initiative at Leadership Pittsburgh and the Senior Executive Institute with the American Council of Engineering Companies.
About LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.